RPD competes in Tough Mudder course

Despite a few injuries, a group of members from the Rolla Police Department along with some others all completed a Tough Mudder obstacle course earlier this month.

Paul Hackbarth | Staff Writer

Despite a few injuries, a group of members from the Rolla Police Department along with some others all completed a Tough Mudder obstacle course earlier this month.

RPD Chief Mark Kearse and his wife D'ettra, Josh Campbell, of the RPD, and his wife Amy, along with Chris Giacolone and Adam Meyer, both of the RPD, and two citizens took part in a Tough Mudder event held at Brick's Off Road Park in Poplar Bluff Oct. 13-14.

Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10- to 12-mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test individuals' all around strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie. "These are confidence builders," said Kearse, noting that he has participated in other races and obstacles courses for several years.

Kearse described the course as 10 miles of walking, climbing or sliding through mud pits. Some areas had water two to three feet deep and one section even had electrical wires that shocked participants. Kearse said the electrical shocks, which he was told administer 10,000 volts, was the worst part.

"They knocked people down. It hurt," the chief said. Participants climbed cargo nets and monkey bars and went over stacks of hay and through tunnels.

The event drew about 7,000 people and about 800 to 1,200 people would take part in each heat, Kearse explained.

The RPD team name was Rollapopo. The Tough Mudder events raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.